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Danny aims for Czech stalemate

By Tom Adams

Danny Gabbidon says Wales will be happy with a point from their trip to Czech Republic.

Danny Gabbidon says Wales will be happy to take a point from their game against Czech Republic on Saturday.

John Toshack's men begin the task of qualifying for Euro 2008 with a daunting trip to Teplice where they will attempt to shock the side that reached the World Cup finals in Germany.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner boasts a wealth of talent, even with Pavel Nedved retiring from the international scene, and Welsh stopper Gabbidon believes a point would represent a satisfactory return at the weekend.

"Czech Republic are a top team," Gabbidon told Sky Sports News.

"They have some world class players and obviously it's going to be a tough assignment for us but if we can get a draw or a win that would be great.

"To come away with a point, I'm sure we would be happy with that from the first game."

The West Ham defender will be given the task of keeping giant striker Jan Koller quiet, and after facing Peter Crouch in The Premiership over the weekend Gabbidon hopes he will be well prepared for the unique challenge posed by extreme height.

"I played against Peter Crouch on Saturday, you know he's pretty big, but I think Koller's just as big so hopefully that might help me having played against Crouch.

"[It will] get me used to playing against someone so big but he's a handful, not only that he's good on the floor as well.

"He's good with his feet and he is obviously good in the air so it is going to be a tough challenge but I am looking forward to it."

Wales have not appeared in the finals of a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, but Crystal Palace midfielder Carl Fletcher says Toshack's troops are quietly confident of ending the dismal run.

Despite Germany and Republic of Ireland also awaiting them in Group D, Fletcher says Wales are not just there to make up the numbers.

"If we did believe that then there would be no point in even turning up," said Fletcher.

"We go into every game trying to win it and with a little bit of luck and a little bit of hard work then who knows what can happen.

"But everyone is looking forward to it and we are quietly optimistic."